Dennard admits probation violation, due back in court Oct. 8

By

Shalise Manza Young

September 16, 2013

By Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff

Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was back in a Lincoln, Neb., courtroom Monday morning for a hearing to determine whether his July 11 arrest for suspicion of DUI violated terms of the probation handed down three months earlier.

The hearing had twice been postponed, but Dennard was present Monday. According to reporters in the courtroom, Dennard’s attorney told Judge Stephanie Stacy at the beginning of the proceedings that the former University of Nebraska player admitted to the violation of his probation.

He also stated that he drank two beers around 9 p.m., then drove his girlfriend’s car approximately 4.5 hours later.

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Stacy ruled that Dennard did violate probation but said he can remain on probation until a sentencing Dec. 5; she also ordered an updated investigation into his behavior.

The Lancaster County prosecutor on the case said Dennard intentionally did not blow hard enough to get a full reading when he was pulled over by police in Lincoln after the Honda Accord he was driving was spotted straddling lanes on the city’s Normal Avenue.

The prosecutor said Dennard blew a .107 in the field and .153 at the detox center he was taken to after being detained (he was not jailed).

Dennard is due back in court Oct. 8 for an appearance related to the DUI matter.

In April 2012, Dennard was arrested just days before the NFL draft and charged with third-degree felony for striking a police officer, as well as resisting arrest and misdemeanor assault for allegedly striking another college student; he was found guilty of assault on the officer and resisting arrest.

On April 11, Stacy sentenced Dennard to 24 months probation, a 30-day jail term to be served in March 2014 (after the NFL season), and 100 hours of community service. The felony conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.